Cancer Survivors Network - Comments for "Surgery!!!!!!"http://csn.cancer.org/node/222089
Comments for "Surgery!!!!!!"en-csnHi there....http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1099386#comment-1099386
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1092916#comment-1092916">Peritoneal cancer is so tiny</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The opposite was true for me ... just to put my own pennyworth in! I had IV chemo (make that having) instead of intra peritoneal because even if the adhesions in my abdomen were cut, there would probably be some microscopic cancer cells left. It's all so confusing! :)</p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:32:18 +0000wanttogetwellsooncomment 1099386 at http://csn.cancer.org{{{{{ Best Friendhttp://csn.cancer.org/comment/1098137#comment-1098137
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1097563#comment-1097563">Sorry</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>{{{{{ Best Friend }}}}}<br />
Protective, reassuring hugs. We all understand, and you're carrying a heavier load than many. I'm glad that you are with us for support.<br />
Many thoughts go to you and your mum<br />
AussieMaddie<br />
xxxx</p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:24:23 +0000AussieMaddiecomment 1098137 at http://csn.cancer.orgNo apology necessaryhttp://csn.cancer.org/comment/1097751#comment-1097751
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1097563#comment-1097563">Sorry</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Best Friend: I totally see where you are coming from. I have three grown children and only one lives nearby--she's the one who got to witness more than her share. I wish I could have spared her the suffering. Whatever you are going through is pretty much par for the course and it will get better over time. You just get used to the situation, I think.</p>
<p>You said that your mom "isn't the woman I knew." That made me think that maybe you are seeing the effects of her being on painkillers (usually narcotics). Narcotics are necessary, of course, and they can bring out personality changes. </p>
<p>I went through a lot of mood changes (irritablity and weepiness) and am sure that the narcotics were to blame. There came a point where I was taking the pain pill for minor abdominal discomfort because I knew it would make me feel "good." But then when the drug was wearing off, I would go on an emotional roller coaster. </p>
<p>The pain med made me constipated and the constipation made my belly uncomfortable so I had a good excuse to take another pain pill. Hence the viscious cycle. This probably went on for about a week before it occurred to me that I was getting addicted to the narcotic. I should have weaned off it but I just stopped taking it cold turkey. </p>
<p>When I quit taking the pain pill, I had about 2 days of feeling really, REALLY bad--mostly emotional. I felt like my nerves were really raw and everyone got on my last nerve. It was pretty rough on my husband for a couple of days but then I was myself again. </p>
<p>To change the subject, I just want to say that the first surgeon was out of his league when he operated on your mom--you can see the difference when your mom had the RIGHT surgeon operating on her. Part of the roller coaster ride that you are on was because of that initial surgeon--it sucks, but that kind of thing is happening all the time. The good news is that your mom has a really good chance to get into remission. </p>
<p>I read some research that admitted that the statistics have improved for ovarian cancer survivors but old information is still out there on the Internet. Having social support increases someone's chance of survival. So you &amp; your daughter (and the rest of the family) are already doing a lot for your mom--more than you know. </p>
<p>Please keep us posted whatever is going on; we are here for you.</p>
<p>(((hugs)))</p>
<p>LQ</p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:12:52 +0000LaundryQueencomment 1097751 at http://csn.cancer.orgSorryhttp://csn.cancer.org/comment/1097563#comment-1097563
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1097300#comment-1097300">Best Friend: I think your</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>I have TOO many realistic moments. I try to seem like the optomist but I am a pessimist. I just have my own issues dealing with all of this. It seems now like maybe the doctor is being like so nonchalant about everything. I know for a fact that there are odds. I spent so much time on computer when she first was told what she had. I saw only statistics of 6 to 12 months survival time. I was laying around preparing for the funeral and how to live my life without my mom who has basically been my co-parent to my daughter.<br />
The surgeon who found the cancer after all the years of pain sewed her back up and told her he thought cutting and removing everything was basically a waste of time. Thank God he is not an oncologist cuz he made my mom and our family believe she was done for. I will never forgive him for that. Everyone has told me our hospital here in town is crappy and I now see that it is not true. Of course people die from cancer. If that was not the case than i doubt it would be such a serious issue. Even my own sister was horrible to us because my mom wanted to be treated there. Now, I am so proud that her doc did for her what fox chase, or cancer treatment center of america could have done. He knew she needed the best doc for the surgery so he sent her to the best in Philly. He said she did a miraculous job. I just have to be positive cuz if I am not than she won't be. Don't get me wrong, everytime I look at my mom I feel terrible. She isn't the woman i knew. She is healing from the surgery and they are already starting chemo every week now instead of every three weeks. It is gonna be horrible but in a way she could be clean for a bit. It is what she fought for. And sure, it can come back and most likely will but I would love to see her happy for awhile after all of this. She wants to go away to Turks and Caicos next summer with the family. Those are the moments we should have had with eachother before this stuff happened. And when she gets healthier we can do all the things we should have done.<br />
I am sorry if i came off strong. I have my own issues. I hope u are doing ok. I really do! Sorry</p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Sun, 31 Jul 2011 19:39:57 +0000Best Friendcomment 1097563 at http://csn.cancer.orgBest Friend: I think yourhttp://csn.cancer.org/comment/1097300#comment-1097300
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1093105#comment-1093105">Ok.</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Best Friend: I think your question/comments were directed at me. I am sorry if I upset you by speaking of the risks of having surgery. I am not trying to get you to think in a negative way--just providing information. Probably too much information, sorry again.</p>
<p>I spoke with my oncologist this week and found out that he doesn't do peritoneal stripping surgery after the original debulking surgery. In fact, he made a comment to me "Anything that I would do surgically now would probably just make things worse."</p>
<p>I consider myself to have survived the cancer diagnosis for one year--last year at this time I was still believing that I just had ovarian cysts when it was really ovarian cancer that spread to the peritoneum. The cancer was in an "inactive phase" for about 3 months where my CA-125 was less than 10 and the MRI scan looked markedly improved but now the CA-125 is over 150 but the scan still looks the same as it did when the CA-125 was low. </p>
<p>I have no symptoms of ascites or whatever might clue me in that the cancer was active again. I am following the guideline established by recent research that showed no survival advantage to starting back on chemo just because the CA-125 was over 70. This is what is recommended by the oncologist: plan to restart chemo only IF the scan show progressive disease OR there are symptoms of ascites. I know some women are getting back on chemo based on their CA-125 alone but the LONGER chemo breaks are better for quality of life and I am all about that. </p>
<p>Maintainence chemo sure sounds hopeful for your mom and I certainly don't want to take that away from you. Now you have this moment to celebrate the success of your mom's surgery. </p>
<p>I am one of most optimistic people you will ever encounter--the optimism actually worked against me when I was so sure that I couldn't possibly have cancer. Now I have to temper my optimism with reality--does that make me a pessimist? I don't think so. Although life sure was a lot more fun before cancer, sigh.</p>
<p>LQ</p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Sun, 31 Jul 2011 03:37:47 +0000LaundryQueencomment 1097300 at http://csn.cancer.orgOk.http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1093105#comment-1093105
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1092916#comment-1092916">Peritoneal cancer is so tiny</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Not trying to be nasty or anything. How long have u had this cancer? I know alot of the negatives. I really do. My mom was told she was going to die in 6 to 12 months. That was in april. Her doc said he could treat her. There may be a point that she does want to give up but now cannot be the time. I have faith. I didn't have it for awhile but now after seeing my mom go through to the point where she has made it to. I have faith. REALLY! I know it will come back. Ok? I know right now she has barely any cancer and compared to what i have learned on the computer, this is amazing.Please remember that if i think the way u want me to, than i will never be able to live a productive life. I have a 7 yr. old daughter who was raised by my mother while i work full time. I know my mom is not ready to leave her yet or her other grandchildren. She is my mother and my best friend, and if she needs me to sit around and help her live or die i am gonna do it. I appreciate ur honesty, I do, but sometimes u should know that people know these things but we choose positivity. I know it's hard to "Watch" peritoneal cancer. if it was it wouldn't have gotten so bad. But they DO keep check of her cr125 and she CAN get maintenace chemo. She is still having three chemos anyhow. I just feel upset now, Thanks! </p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:48:59 +0000Best Friendcomment 1093105 at http://csn.cancer.orgPeritoneal cancer is so tinyhttp://csn.cancer.org/comment/1092916#comment-1092916
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1090091#comment-1090091">I get it</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Peritoneal cancer is so tiny that it is hard to "watch" because often there is nothing to see. The more surgeries a person has, the more adhesions and risks of bowel obstructions they have, too. I'm just saying that surgery has it's risks, of course, you know that already. </p>
<p>Finally, scar tissue encases the tiny tumor implants making it difficult for them to be reached by IV chemo...that's why I think there should be intraperitoneal (IP)chemo if a person chooses to go into surgery again. </p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:03:08 +0000LaundryQueencomment 1092916 at http://csn.cancer.orgI get ithttp://csn.cancer.org/comment/1090091#comment-1090091
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1089336#comment-1089336">The peritoneum grows back</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>I get that some things can grow back. However, if you get the surgery done and u have a chance to be cancer free to be with ur family for another couple years, I am sorry, but that is plenty enough reason for me to go ahead with the surgery. If it came for me having to get the surgery again than i would say no. However, once you have had the surgery an more chemo like my mom, she could be in remission and therefore they will be watching since this cancer returns so often. Hopefully they would keep an eye on any regrowths os organs, tumors, whatever the case and stop it when it begins keeping you from having to experience all of that over again!</p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Sun, 17 Jul 2011 17:58:44 +0000Best Friendcomment 1090091 at http://csn.cancer.orgThe peritoneum grows backhttp://csn.cancer.org/comment/1089336#comment-1089336
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1087596#comment-1087596">Stripping vs Debulking</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Here's my 2 cents worth on the subject: I think the original surgery for OVCA is "debulking" as described above where the peritoneum may or may not be removed. I think the peritoneum usually is removed and for some reason, mine wasn't (I think I was bleeding too much from the rest of the surgery). </p>
<p>If the peritoneum is removed and grows back with cancer, then a person may be in for a second surgery where the cancer-studded peritoneum is dissected out of the body again. I don't see the point of this surgery without adding IP chemo or HIPEC post-op. </p>
<p>The omentum grows back, too.</p>
<p>LQ</p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:58:14 +0000LaundryQueencomment 1089336 at http://csn.cancer.orgStripping vs Debulkinghttp://csn.cancer.org/comment/1087596#comment-1087596
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<p><em>In reply to <a href="http://csn.cancer.org/comment/1087447#comment-1087447">Crazy!</a></em></p>
<div class="field field-name-comment-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Hi all: I searched on line and this is what I found out, sort of! Debulking is removing all visible tumours associated with ovarian cancer, i.e. it is a term used in ovarian cancer. But it can be more aggressive with removal of things not necessarily invaded by cancer like parts of the colon etc. Peritoneum stripping can be debulking plus complete or partial removal of the peritoneum and omentum with or without visible tumours. It is believed there will always be microscopic cancer cells on the peritoneum which is why it is removed. It is a much more difficult and longer surgery because of the nature of the peritoneum. Big piece of tissue there. As far as I could tell, the intra-peritoneal chemo bath has been used with both types of surgeries. I am not sure if debulking is used with secondary peritoneal cancer like from the appendix, colon, gallbladder. And not sure if we are still talking about different names for similar things and that stripping is a more aggressive surgery than debulking. It is not commonly done, at least here in Canada.<br />
Any thoughts?<br />
I am interested because I have secondary peritoneum cancer and would like to have the cancerous nodules cut out but not the stripping.<br />
Cheryl </p></div></div></div><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">Log in</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=node/222089%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:11:30 +0000westie66comment 1087596 at http://csn.cancer.org